Some experience moving out earlier in adulthood, like when moving off to college; then there’s those of us who stick around for a little bit longer. No matter when you decide to fly the coop, there are five emotions every little bird experiences when leaving the nest.
1. Excitement
Your own space, no one to answer to, and the non-stop party that is adulthood are just a few reasons to relish in the joys of moving out—before the realization of paying bills sets in. The thrill of binge-watching Netflix until 3 a.m. and walking around the house in your underwear is almost as appealing as a 50% off sale. Now let’s just hope you don’t have a roommate.
2. Anxiety
Finding a place to live and deciding what to pack are panic attack-inducing enough, but trying to formulate a plan that doesn’t include eating ramen noodles for every meal is enough to send anyone right over the edge. Why were we in such a rush to grow up again?
3. Regret
By this point, there’s been a full-blown meltdown. You’ve thrown things (and broken them), yelled at everyone and then cried for losing it and concluded to settling your nerves with a bottle (or two) of wine. You’ve admitted you’re not as adult as you thought you were, and you’ve begged your parents to just let you stay at home forever. After all, you can start a family in your mom’s basement.
4. Confidence
Sometimes it takes a mild (extremely over the top) breakdown to realize that you can do this after all. You’ve seen so many people make it on their own, so why should it be different for you? You make a plan and a budget, and as long as you stick to it, you’re golden. Now go decorate that living room with a tacky rug and thrift store furniture.
5. Appreciation
You’ve definitely taken your parents for granted over the years. All of the home cooked meals, clean laundry, and shoulders to cry on are definitely going to be missed while you’re rocking it in your new place. You’re going to learn what it truly means to rely on yourself, but don’t worry––your parents raised you well, so you’ll survive. Just make sure to verbalize a thank-you to show that you know you couldn’t do it on your own.
Growing up is never easy. Life doesn’t come with an instruction manual, and let’s be real we wouldn’t read it even if it did. We have to trust that our parents taught us what it means to be successful and forge our own paths in life. We know we’re never truly alone, and home is only one phone call away.
